'Downton Abbey' to return to PBS for a sixth season in 2016

BOSTON, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- The beloved British costume drama Downton Abbey will return to PBS for a sixth season in 2016, the American public broadcaster announced Thursday.

Season 5 of the Carnival Films/Masterpiece co-production completes its run in the United Kingdom Sunday. It will have its U.S. premiere Jan. 4.

The sixth season of the early 20th century-set series will go into production in 2015 and will be written by program creator Julian Fellowes. The show stars Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Michelle Dockery.

"Good news! Just as our audience settles in for the beloved Crawley family drama, we can announce that Season 6 will arrive a year later. How lucky can you get?" Masterpiece Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton said in a statement.

"We have had an amazing reaction to the storylines, acting and production values of Downton Abbey this year and the whole team is thrilled to be moving ahead with a new season of the show. This will provide audiences with a fresh opportunity to see what will befall our much loved characters," added Gareth Neame, Carnival's managing director and the show's executive producer.